Immunomodulatory Effects of Dietary Chitosan in Aquaculture
Summary
Dietary chitosan, a deacetylated derivative of chitin, has emerged as a multifunctional feed additive in aquaculture, capable of enhancing host defences while promoting growth performance. Its immunomodulatory actions derive from direct stimulation of innate immune cells, increased production of antimicrobial proteins and cytokines, and improvement of antioxidant status. In fish and crustaceans, chitosan augments lysozyme activity, phagocytic capacity and expression of key immune genes in organs such as the head kidney, spleen and gut. Concurrently, it supports intestinal integrity by increasing villus height and goblet cell density, thereby strengthening barrier function and nutrient absorption. At optimal inclusion levels, chitosan fosters resistance to bacterial and viral pathogens, reduces reliance on chemotherapeutics and contributes to sustainable aquaculture practices. Its versatile applications span from conventional bulk chitosan powders to nanoformulations and synbiotic combinations, underscoring its global significance as a safe, cost-effective and eco-friendly immunostimulant for intensified aquaculture systems.
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Immunomodulatory Effects of Dietary Chitosan in Aquaculture publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in immunomodulatory effects of dietary chitosan in aquaculture across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Chitosan: A biopolymer obtained by deacetylation of chitin, used as an immunostimulant and bioadhesive in feeds.
Innate immunity: The first line of defence comprising non-specific cellular and humoral responses against pathogens.
Lysozyme: An enzyme that degrades bacterial cell walls, serving as a key antimicrobial component in mucus and serum.
Phagocytic activity: The process by which immune cells engulf and destroy invading microorganisms.
Synbiotic: A combination of prebiotic substrates (e.g. chitosan) and probiotic microorganisms to synergistically enhance gut health.
Nanoparticles: Nano-scale chitosan carriers designed to improve stability, targeted delivery and bioavailability of immunomodulatory agents.
References
- Effects of Shrimp Shell-Derived Chitosan on Growth, Immunity, Intestinal Morphology, and Gene Expression of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Reared in a Biofloc System. Marine Drugs (2024).
- Long-Term Application of a Synbiotic Chitosan and Acinetobacter KU011TH Mixture on the Growth Performance, Health Status, and Disease Resistance of Hybrid Catfish (Clarias gariepinus × C. macrocephalus) during Winter. Microorganisms (2023).
- Dietary chitosan promotes the growth, biochemical composition, gut microbiota, hematological parameters and internal organ morphology of juvenile Barbonymus gonionotus. PLOS ONE (2021).
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